Farthing of Henry V

Ian Sharman sent in this coin and asked if I would provide him with a full ID. The coin looks to be massive but it is actually a hammered silver farthing and measures only 9mm in diameter.

On the obverse the legend starts with +hE and ends with AnGLI, so the coin must have been struck for a King Henry.  The crowned head of the king is very large. On the reverse we have a CIVI TAS LOn DOn legend.

This rather interesting farthing has a cross pommee at the start of the obverse legend, which isn’t of much help towards an ID as a cross of that type was used during more than one reign. In my edition of J. J. North’s English Hammered Coinage farthings of this type are placed under the heavy coinage of Henry IV (number 1354) but in the Standard Catalogue they come under Henry V (number 1797A). Another source (English Coins 1180-1551 by Lord Stewartby, page 336) lists them as being struck during the light coinage of Henry IV.

Leading on from all this, it is not altogether certain when or for whom (Henry IV or Henry V) farthings of this type were struck but I would say that Henry V is by far the most likely. There might be some doubt about the reign but one thing is certain: they are excessively rare.

The reverse is a bit weak in places and the obverse has been struck slightly off centre. However, the head of the king is sharp and clear. This farthing is a great rarity and should be of considerable interest to specialist collectors.

Valuation Service

If you would like your coin identified or valued, please read about my valuation service and contact me